THE HOLY Communion SACRAMENT; SIGNIFICANCE AS PORTRAYED BY MATTHEW

We welcome you to the topic about Holy communion. we shall read a passage from Mathew, which will guide us to discovering the significance of holy communion in the Christian faith.

A PASSAGE FROM MATTHEW 26:26-30

Let us Read and write Matthew 26:26-30. It is from that scripture we shall derive our content today.

Here is the passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 26, verses 26-30:

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you; I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

This passage from Matthew describes the moment during the Last Supper when Jesus institutes the Holy Communion, offering bread as his body and wine as his blood, symbolizing the new covenant in his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Using the passage of Matthew26:26-30, explain what took place during the event

In the passage from Matthew 26:26-30, the event is the Last Supper, a significant moment in the life of Jesus with his disciples before his crucifixion. The account describes the institution of the Holy Communion:

1.         Sharing the Meal: Jesus and his disciples were sharing a meal. During the meal, Jesus took bread and blessed it, breaking it and giving it to the disciples, signifying it as his body.

2.         The Symbolism of Bread and Wine: Jesus took a cup, offering it to his disciples after giving thanks. He explained that the wine represented his blood, symbolizing the new covenant, which would be poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

3.         The Spiritual Meaning: This act of sharing bread and wine symbolized Jesus’s impending sacrifice, offering his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins—a sacrificial act in establishing a new covenant between God and humanity.

4.         The Anticipation of the Future: Jesus also hinted at a future reunion, expressing his anticipation of drinking the fruit of the vine anew with his disciples in his Father’s kingdom, suggesting a future fellowship beyond that moment.

5.         Hymn and Departure: Following this significant act, they concluded with a hymn and then departed to the Mount of Olives, setting the stage for the events leading to Jesus’ arrest and subsequent crucifixion.

This event marked the institution of the Holy Communion, a vital ritual in Christian practice, signifying the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ impending death and the spiritual significance of his body and blood in the forgiveness of sins.

What happened immediately after the event of Matthew 26:26-30

Immediately following the event described in Matthew 26:26-30, which was the Last Supper where Jesus instituted the Holy Communion, a series of events took place:

1.         Singing a Hymn: After instituting the Holy Communion, Jesus and his disciples concluded with singing a hymn.

2.         Departure to the Mount of Olives: Following the hymn, they left the place where the Last Supper took place and proceeded to the Mount of Olives.

The narrative from the Gospel of Matthew proceeds to describe the events that unfolded after the Last Supper, including Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, his arrest, and the subsequent trials leading to his crucifixion. The Mount of Olives is where Jesus spent the agonizing moments in prayer before his arrest, signifying the beginning of the events that would lead to his crucifixion.

Significance of Holy Communion in Christian Faith

Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, holds profound significance in the Christian faith. It is a sacred ritual that commemorates Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples and serves multiple important functions in the spiritual life of believers. Here are the key aspects of its significance:

1. Remembrance of Christ’s Sacrifice

One of the primary purposes of Holy Communion is to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus instructed his disciples to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This act of remembrance is not just a recollection of past events but a living memory that brings the reality of Christ’s sacrificial love into the present moment for believers.

2. Symbol of Unity

Holy Communion symbolizes the unity of believers with Christ and with each other. By partaking in the same bread and wine, Christians express their shared faith and commitment to Christ. This unity is emphasized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:17, where he states, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”

3. Spiritual Nourishment

The Eucharist provides spiritual nourishment and strength. Just as physical food sustains the body, the bread and wine of Holy Communion sustain the soul. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Through this sacrament, believers receive the grace to live out their faith more fully.

4. Covenant Renewal

Holy Communion is also seen as a renewal of the covenant between God and His people. Jesus referred to the wine as “my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). By participating in the Eucharist, Christians renew their commitment to follow Christ and live according to His teachings.

5. Anticipation of the Heavenly Banquet

The Eucharist is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that believers expect to share with Christ in the afterlife. This eschatological aspect of Holy Communion points towards the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Jesus mentioned this when he said, “I tell you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).

6. Act of Thanksgiving

The term “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving. In celebrating Holy Communion, Christians give thanks for all that God has done through Jesus Christ. This act of thanksgiving is central to Christian worship and acknowledges God’s grace and love.

7. Means of Grace

In many Christian traditions, Holy Communion is considered a means of grace. This means that through the sacrament, God imparts grace to the believers. It is a channel through which God’s presence and power are experienced in a tangible way. This belief is particularly strong in Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant traditions.

Conclusion

Holy Communion is a multifaceted sacrament that holds deep spiritual significance in the Christian faith. It is a ritual that encapsulates remembrance, unity, spiritual nourishment, covenant renewal, eschatological anticipation, thanksgiving, and grace. By partaking in the Eucharist, believers are drawn closer to Christ and to each other, strengthening their faith and commitment to live according to the teachings of Jesus. This sacrament remains a cornerstone of Christian worship, embodying the profound mystery of Christ’s presence among His people.

FAQs on Holy Communion

What is Holy Communion?

Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is a Christian sacrament commemorating Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples. During this ritual, believers partake of bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ, as an act of remembrance and thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice.

Who can receive Holy Communion?

Eligibility to receive Holy Communion varies among Christian denominations. Generally, baptized Christians who are in a state of grace, meaning they have confessed any mortal sins, are welcome to participate. In some traditions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, individuals must also have received First Communion and be free of grave sin.

What do the bread and wine represent in Holy Communion?

In Holy Communion, the bread represents the body of Jesus Christ and the wine symbolizes His blood. This symbolism is rooted in the words of Jesus during the Last Supper, where he broke the bread and shared the wine, instructing his disciples to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19-20).

How often is Holy Communion celebrated?

The frequency of Holy Communion celebrations varies among Christian denominations. Some churches, like the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, celebrate it at every Mass, often daily. Other Protestant denominations may celebrate it weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on their traditions and liturgical calendars.

What is the significance of Holy Communion in Christian faith?

Holy Communion holds profound significance as it:

• Remembers Christ’s Sacrifice: It serves as a commemoration of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• Symbolizes Unity: It represents the unity of believers as one body in Christ.
• Spiritual Nourishment: It provides spiritual nourishment and grace, strengthening the believer’s faith.
• Anticipation of Christ’s Return: It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet believers expect to share with Christ upon his return.

What is the difference between the terms “Holy Communion,” “Eucharist,” and “Lord’s Supper”?

While all three terms refer to the same sacrament, their usage can differ based on tradition:

• Holy Communion emphasizes the communal aspect of the sacrament among believers.
• Eucharist comes from the Greek word for “thanksgiving” and highlights the act of giving thanks.
• Lord’s Supper focuses on the historical Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples.

How should one prepare to receive Holy Communion?

Preparation for Holy Communion typically involves:

• Self-examination: Reflecting on one’s life and seeking forgiveness for sins.
• Confession: Confessing sins to a priest or directly to God, especially in traditions where confession is sacramental.
• Fasting: Observing a period of fasting before receiving the Eucharist, as practiced in some denominations.
• Prayer: Engaging in prayer and meditation to spiritually prepare for the sacrament.

What is transubstantiation?

Transubstantiation is the Roman Catholic doctrine that, during the consecration in the Mass, the substances of bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ, while their appearances (accidents) remain unchanged. This belief underscores the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Are there any restrictions on receiving Holy Communion?

Yes, restrictions may include:

• Being a baptized Christian.
• Being in a state of grace, free from grave sin.
• Having received the sacrament of First Communion (in certain denominations).
• Observing any required fast before the sacrament.

What happens if someone receives Holy Communion unworthily?

Receiving Holy Communion in an unworthy state, meaning without proper preparation or while harboring unconfessed mortal sin, is considered sacrilegious in many Christian traditions. The Apostle Paul warned against this in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, emphasizing the need for self-examination and repentance before partaking in the Eucharist.

Conclusion

Holy Communion is a central and sacred

rite in Christian worship, deeply rooted in the remembrance of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper. It serves not only as a commemoration of His sacrifice but also as a means of spiritual nourishment and unity among believers. Understanding the practices, preparations, and theological underpinnings of Holy Communion can enhance one’s participation and appreciation of this profound sacrament. Whether referred to as the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, this ritual remains a cornerstone of Christian faith and practice, symbolizing the deep connection between the divine and the faithful.